Corner Brook ‘Come Home Year Week’ officially designated for July 19-28 in 2019

Deputy Mayor Bill Griffin is shown during Monday night’s meeting of Corner Brook City Council at City Hall. - Chris Quigley

To the sound of applause from the several Corner Brook Local Come Home Year Committee members in attendance at Monday night’s public meeting, city council officially designated July 19-28, 2019 as “Come Home Year Week.”

“It’s wonderful news for the City of Corner Brook,” said Coun. Tony Buckle after the motion had passed.

The City had been approached by the committee, which is comprised entirely of local volunteers, to support a Come Home Year celebration and was seeking the support of council for the aforementioned time period. The timing of the celebration also coincides with the province’s 70th anniversary of Confederation.

Mayor Jim Parsons thanked committee members in attendance for their work so far.

“We look forward to that summer of 2019,” he said. “That’s going to be fantastic.”

At this point, there has been no request for financial support from the city, though council members clearly expected that to change in the near future, referencing the fact in a lighthearted manner.

Deputy Mayor Bill Griffin, who brought the motion forward, said the event should motivate people to return to the city.

“Let’s face it, when you’re away, what draws you back are your parents,” he said. “When your parents are gone, there’s really nothing to bring you back.

“A lot of people would love a reason to come home and I think this will give … people who grew up here a reason to come home. I think it’s awesome.”

As a part of passing the motion, the city also authorized the committee use of the City of Corner Brook logo in promotional and marketing material for the celebration and will work with the committee in promoting it through its social media pages and website.